Abstract

CAREGIVER BURDEN AMONG THE CAREGIVERS OF SCHIZOPHRENIC PATIENTS

Meruva Swathi*, G. Lakshmi Prasanna, A. Charan Kishore, B. Satya Lakshmi Bhavani4, G. Raji, S. Sri Lakshmi and Ravi Prakash Degala

ABSTRACT

Background: Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric disorder that significantly affects not only the individuals suffering from it but also their caregivers. The responsibility of providing continuous care often imposes a substantial burden on caregivers, influencing their psychological, physical, social, and economic well-being. Objectives: This study aims to assess the level of caregiver burden among the caregivers of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and to identify associated socio-demographic and clinical factors. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among caregivers of schizophrenic patients attending the outpatient psychiatry department of a tertiary care hospital. Caregiver burden was assessed using the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). Relevant socio-demographic details of caregivers and clinical characteristics of patients were collected and analyzed. Results: The study revealed that a significant proportion of caregivers experienced moderate to severe levels of burden. Factors such as duration of illness, frequency of psychotic episodes, lack of social support, caregiver’s relationship to the patient, and lower socio-economic status were significantly associated with higher burden scores. Emotional strain and social isolation were among the most commonly reported aspects of burden. Conclusion: Caregivers of patients with schizophrenia bear a considerable burden that impacts their quality of life. There is a pressing need for caregiver-focused interventions, support systems, and community-based mental health services to reduce the care giving load and improve the overall well-being of both caregivers and patients.

Keywords: Caregiver burden, schizophrenia, Zarit Burden Interview, mental health, psychosocial impact, family caregivers.